“Not in our mind but…”- Shreyas Iyer drops shocking statement on this player’s signing in IPL 2026 auction

Punjab Kings (PBKS) bought the young spin all-rounder of the Australian side, Cooper Connolly, for INR 3 crore ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. But their captain, Shreyas Iyer, who was present in the bidding war, felt that the young players weren’t part of their plan initially.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) started the bidding for Connolly, but Punjab had the last laugh. The 22-year-old is expected to make his debut in the next IPL, having already impressed with his bowling and batting in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Perth Scorchers.

“Honestly, he wasn't there in our mind at the start, but as we brainstormed and narrowed down our options, we realized he fit the position perfectly. He has a great temperament and the ability to finish games. Those characteristics matter a lot in IPL. However, we didn’t think we would get him for 3; we actually predicted his price would be much higher.” Iyer expressed at the end of the auction.

Shreyas Iyer drops shocking statement on Cooper Connolly

Connolly, the 22-year-old, has smashed a total of 705 runs in 29 innings of the shortest format at a strike rate of 136.36 with the help of three half-centuries at the best score of 66 runs. With the ball, he picked up 13 wickets in 21 innings at an economy rate of around eight. He can bowl at least two overs if required for the Kings.

However, Cooper has earned a massive success in the Big Bash League (BBL) history in 23 innings to collect 636 runs at an average of around 40 and a strike rate of 140.39 with the help of three half-centuries at the best score of 66 runs. His best season was last year when he clubbed 351 runs at a strike rate of 131.46.

Punjab Kings will hope to go a step further from the last season, where they ended as the runners-up after losing the final of the IPL 2025 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.